Origin Story

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru, I formed a youth group named JUMP, which stood for “Jóvenes Unidos Motivados por el Progreso” (Young People United and Motivated for Progress). Throughout my two years, the group traveled across Peru, giving preventative healthcare presentations and serving as community leaders.

Visiting a few of the original members of the Jump Youth Group in 2015 in Huaraz, Perú

Visiting a few of the original members of the Jump Youth Group in 2015 in Huaraz, Perú

In the years since completing my service, I’ve watched as some of my most promising students faced financial hardships that stopped them from completing their post-secondary educations.

The goal of Jump Finance is to open up a credit market for these (and millions of other) students in the developing world - to give them the financing, mentorship, and resources they need to unlock their full potential.

Jump Finance (formerly Jump Credit) wins Austin Fast Start competition

It’s not a real pitch competition without a giant check ;)

It’s not a real pitch competition without a giant check ;)

Less than a month ago, Jump was nothing more than a loose collective of teachers and entrepreneurs scattered around the world, a handful of Google docs, and a dream. On January 15th, we took a big step towards making it real.

Co-founder John William Meyer successfully pitched our vision to the Austin Young Chamber at Capital Factory in Austin, Texas, taking first place at the 2019 Financial Tech competition!

In addition to winning a $2500 grant that will help fund our initial cohort of Jump loans, John William also received office space and other services to build the company.

We can’t wait to share more news as we move forward. Congrats to the other finalists!